When it comes to Fourth of July cuisine, I have a few prerequisites.  I'm gonna need some watermelon.  And some sort of gooey mess of baked berries smothered under a crumble or a crust and topped with loads of fresh whipped cream.  I need tomato something, and peach something, and avocado something.  Some grilled corn, some grilled bread, and don't forget the grilled lamb.  If you're looking for some festive food inspiration this Fourth of July, here are my favorite tried-and-true recipes and a few that I will be trying out this holiday.

1.  Apple Ginger Cranberry Cocktail // What Katie Ate                                                       (try swapping the ginger ale for ginger beer for a spicier cocktail, and if you use unsweetened cranberry juice you may want to add a little agave or simple syrup)

2.  Tomato Basil Peach Skewers // Love and Lemons

3.  Spiced Lamb Burgers // Bon Appetit

4.  Fennel Apple Radish Salad // What Katie Ate

5.  Grilled Yogurt Marinated Leg of Lamb // Bon Appetit                                                   (cold leftovers make fantastic sandwiches - just add arugula and a little sauce)

6.  Panzanella Salad // Food and Wine

7.  Tomato Peach and Avocado Bruschetta // Love and Lemons

8.  Rose, Bourbon and Blue Cooler // Bon Appetit

9.  Watermelon Soda Float // Bon Appetit

10.  Mexican Corn Salad // Bon Appetit

11.  Blueberry Schlumpf // Food52                                                                                       (I plan on serving this with coconut whipped cream)

12.  Spicy Watermelon Avocado Salad // Love and Lemons                                             (I recommend using arugula for the greens and omitting the mint/basil)

13.  Blueberry and Rye Slab Pie // Food52

14.  Tunisian Vegetable Salsa // Bon Appetit

15.  Radish and Butter Tartines // Food52

16.  Raspberry Crumble Bars // Love and Lemons                                                               (I will be trying these with strawberry jam and pecans this year)